12 Unusual Pets for True Animal Lovers

In honor of National Pet Day, we’re highlighting some of the coolest creatures on Rover again, because we just can’t get enough. Did you know that Rover’s awesome network of sitters care for more than just dogs? Our clientele come in all shapes and sizes—furry, feathered, scaly, and spiky. Whether it’s exotic pet care or farm sitting, our sitters have the experience to care for an entire menagerie.

Meet some our more unique guests, including pigs, birds, and…dragons!

1. Autumn the Clear Pied Cockatiel

Cockatiels are the second most popular pet bird in the US and are native to Australia. These beautiful and social birds can live up to 20 years.

2. Ryan and Marrisa the Sulcata Tortoises

Also known as the African Spurred Tortoise, this Native Saharan species can grow up to 231 lbs and live over 150 years. Now that’s a pet parent commitment!

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3. Goji the Uromastyx

Uromastyx lizards are sun-loving herbivores who can grow up to 3 feet. They don’t bite, but they do use their spiky tails like a whip.

4. Calcifer the Bearded Dragon

This handsome color-changing lizard can grow up to 24 inches long and lives on insects (yum!) Native to Australia, this sun-lover requires UV light to stay healthy.

5. Don Juan the Miniature Horse

Miniature horses have been kept as companion animals and used to pull carts since the 1600s. Minis can be house-trained and are gaining popularity as assistance animals.

6. Penny the Hedgehog

While still illegal to own in some states, domestic hedgehogs have been gaining in popularity as pets since the 1980s. These cute and spiky little guys don’t cause dander allergies and can be trained to use a litter pan.

7. Sassy and Guy the Sugar Gliders

Sugar gliders are adorable little pets that crave social interaction. They really do glide like a flying squirrel, have a pouch like a Koala, and a prehensile tail like a monkey. Check the video for some awesome slow motion glider footage.

8. Spike the Siamese Rat

Fancy rats come in a huge range of unique colors. Siamese rats have distinctive dark points on the nose, paws, and ears, just like a Siamese cat.

9. Finnelope and Fibby Feet

The Koi (pictured right) is a domesticated carp bred for its beautiful coloration. They are hardier than goldfish, don’t fight, and can grow up to 3 feet in length in their exceptionally long life. The oldest known Koi was reported to be 225 years old.

10. Suburban Chickens

Backyard chickens, while certainly not exotic, are increasingly popular thanks to the local, sustainable, and organic food movements. As more urban areas allow chicken-keeping, these beautiful, friendly, breakfast-making pets are taking over backyards everywhere.

11. Pixel the Micro Mini Pig

Miniature pigs have been popular pets since the 1980s. Smarter than dogs, cuddly, and easy to house-train, their only downfall is their unfortunate habit of growing larger than expected and needing to be rehomed outside of suburbia.

12. Roxy the Sphynx Cat

Ok, ok, cats may not be the rarest pets in the world, but this beautiful Sphynx begged to be included. Not truly hairless, Sphynxes sport a downy fuzz all over that feels like chamois. Outgoing, smart, and energetic, these unique cats are one of the most dog-like of the cat breeds.